Consumer fireworks can be set off to celebrate the Fourth of July beginning today through July 5 in locations where they are legal, according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and East Jefferson Fire Rescue.
Port Angeles, Sequim and Port Townsend have banned consumer fireworks within city limits. They also are not permitted in Olympic National Park, state parks, national forests and other public lands. But they remain legal, under specific regulations, in all other areas of both Clallam and Jefferson counties, including Forks.
Only consumer-grade fireworks are legal, and their sale and discharge are legal only during certain hours.
Clallam County’s new fireworks ordinance takes effect this year, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
In areas of Clallam County east of the Elwha River, consumer fireworks may be discharged between 9 a.m. and midnight on the Fourth of July.
In areas of Clallam County west of the Elwha River, consumer fireworks may be used or discharged at all times allowed by state law.
The state dates and times are:
• June 28: Between noon and 11 p.m. (sales and discharge).
• June 29 to July 3: Between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. (sales and discharge).
• July 4: Between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. (sales) and 9 a.m. to midnight (discharge).
• July 5: Between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (sales) and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (discharge).
“In general, anything that explodes is illegal. Legal pyrotechnic fireworks are those that involve an open flame to light or have any material in them that burns,” the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office said.
In the city of Port Townsend, the use of, possession and discharge of all fireworks, including legal ones, is banned, Jefferson County Fire Rescue (EJFR) reminded residents in a press release.
“Legal fireworks suitable for use in unrestricted areas of Jefferson County include the following: cylindrical fountains, helicopters and aerial spinners, cone fountains, smoke devices, Roman candles, parachutes, wheels, mine/shells/cakes, ground spinners, reloadable mortars, dipped sticks/sparklers and novelties,” according to the release.
“Do not light them indoors or near dry grass. Always have a bucket of water and/or fire extinguisher nearby.
“Wear snug clothing while using fireworks. If a device fails to go off properly, do not stand over it to investigate it or try to relight it. Wait at least 15 minutes before placing it in a bucket of water.”
Consumers are asked to use care because of dry conditions.
Sparklers are legal, but their shower of sparks easily can ignite dry grass or brush. Roman candles (some of which are legal) produce a stream of flaming embers that also can ignite dry vegetation.
Bottle rockets (all of which are illegal) launch small flaming firecrackers varying distances and have been responsible for most firework-related grass and structure fires in Clallam County, the sheriff’s office said in the release.
“Remember that you are responsible (civilly and possibly criminally) for the damage or fires caused by your fireworks — even if they are legal,” according to the release.
Legal fireworks in Washington state are known as “consumer fireworks” and do not include things such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles, which can cause traumatic injuries and are prone to starting fires, the release stated.
“Items like M-80s and larger, cherry bombs, and tennis ball bombs are not fireworks,” according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
“These ‘fireworks’ are actually explosives and are powerful enough to cause life-altering injuries or even death,” the release stated.
A lack of rainfall has caused both counties to start their annual burn bans earlier than usual. Jefferson County’s burn ban went into effect June 4 and is expected to be lifted Sept. 30. Clallam County’s burn restrictions went into effect June 14 and are expected to run through Oct. 1.
“Even with the little bit of rain over the last few weeks, it is still super dry on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Brian Tracer, deputy chief of East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, on Tuesday.
“Always have a fire extinguisher at the ready or a charged garden hose or other means to extinguish a fire,” he added.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.
